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# Female firefighters hoping more women will follow in their footsteps
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/female-firefighters-hoping-more-women-will-follow-in-their-footsteps/
- Published: 2023-10-13T06:01:00.000Z
- Updated: 2023-10-12T07:05:18.000Z
- Description: Female firefighters are encouraging more local women to follow in their footsteps.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:01, News

Female firefighters are encouraging more local women to follow in their footsteps.

The plea comes after Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service launched a new recruitment campaign.

Figures show that women currently make up just 9.1% of the operational workforce, but the brigade is now seeking to encourage more to take up firefighting as a career.

Station Manager, Helen Chadwick who joined in 2002, said:

> “I don’t think that it’s a career a lot of women consider – but I really think they should.  
>  
> “If you want to progress the opportunities are there. I’ve worked in various departments from training to consultation, so it’s not just about the traditional firefighting element of the role.”  
>  
> Helen Chadwick

Krissi Walchester, who joined in 2006, said:

> “Being a firefighter wasn’t a career I set out to do but it was suggested to me, so I went for it and have never looked back.  
>  
> “It’s a role I thoroughly enjoy, knowing I’m making a difference.  
>  
> “Being a female firefighter shows other women that they can also carry out the role and helps us reflect the community that we serve.   
>  
> “As a mum to two young girls I’ve benefitted from an excellent maternity package. The shift system works well too because I work longer shifts over less days which helps with childcare.”  
>  
> Krissi Walchester

Applications are being accepted until 11.59pm on 15th October. More details are available on the [Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service website](https://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/careers/firefighters/?ref=lichfieldlive.co.uk).